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Medical Technologist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Medical Technologist positions are located in the VISN 12 Pathology & Laboratory Medical Service at the VA Illiana Health Care Center in Danville, IL

A recruitment incentive up to $10,000 MAY be offered based on an applicant's qualifications/credentials and experience.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
01/06/2022 to 02/16/2022
Salary
$43,682 to - $69,462 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Location
6 vacancies in the following location:
Danville, IL
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
9
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
PL-11342303-22-SS
Control number
630119000

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Duties

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**This announcement closing date has been updated, announcement will now close 11:59pm EST on 2/16/2022.**

Medical Technologists carry out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory, including routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. Testing procedures are performed on biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques.

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
-Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
-Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
-Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
-Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
-Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
-Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
-Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
-Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
-Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
-Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
-Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm OR 4:00pm-12:00am; includes rotating weekends/holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Technologist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for Highly qualified candidate
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/25/2021.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS for appointment as a Medical Technologist:
English Language Proficiency
Education and/or Experience Combination (Transcripts Required):A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.).
AND
Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program.Note: Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics.
AND
Two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (E.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologist (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics.
AND
Five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.
Certification (copy of certification* required, if applicable). Applicant must either:
Possess or meet the eligibility requirements* for certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) given by ASCP-BOR, ASCP-BC, or AMT.*Note: Non-certified applicants may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist and must actively pursue and obtain certification within the year.

In addition to the basic requirements you must meet the following grade requirements:
GS-7: None beyond the basic requirements
GS-9 Experience: Must have at least 1 year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which is directly related to the position and posses MT, MLS, or CLS certification.
OR
GS-9 Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field and posses MT, MLS, or CLS certification.
In addition, one must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
KSA 1 - Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work;
KSA 2 - Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems;
KSA 3 - Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation;
KSA 4 - Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments;
KSA 5 - Ability to use independent technical judgement to analyze and interpret laboratory results;
KSA 6 - Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions;
KSA 7 - Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes;
KSA 8 - Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service and patient education.

References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standards, 5/12/2014. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9.Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.


If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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